If we are to discuss intelligence, we must first make our peace with
the relationship between body and soul. Some, of course, are not aware
that there is a problem. Let them be happy in their ignorance. Do not
disturb.

Others are aware of a pseudo-problem that they lay to a poor choice of
words, a misuse of language. They tend to be very, very clever. They
turn on a spigot, and a rush of words befogs the question.

Soul (spirit, essence, psyche, mind, consciousness, awareness,
intelligence, intellect, mentality, self, individuality, persona,
personality, conscious mental field, self awareness, sentience,
executive function).

All these words imply an uneasiness with soul. All these words imply
an object, or something approaching an object. Something we might
carry about in a watch pocket and take out for display at an
appropriate time.

Such a diarrhea of the mouth. There is no talking to them. They have
surrounded themselves with such a fortress of words that they cannot
hear.

---- ---

Definition of soul:

1. (philosophical) the immaterial essence, animating principle, or
actuating cause of an individual life.
2. (theological) the spiritual principle embodied in human beings, all
rational and spiritual beings, or the universe.

--- ---

In more recent metaphysics less has been heard of the soul and more of
the mind; the old problem of the relationship of soul and body is now
that of the relationship of mind and body.

A few have carefully parsed the question: Chalmers, an optimist, says
we need a new physics. McGinn, a pessimist, replies, "Save your
breath".

The practical issue, in questions of intelligence, arises when we ask,
"Does the soul (mind) have causal powers?" The scientist demands,
"No!" The religionist asserts, "Yes!" Descartes said, "Yes". The
Princess Elizabeth said, "No". There it rests.

The late Sir Francis Crick looked for the neural correlate of
consciousness (NCC). He failed, but not for lack of trying.

If we should isolate a neuron, such that every time it burst you
should experience a patch of blue, a quale, and if we should go
further, and connect a button to the neuron so that every time you
pushed the button, you should be aware of a patch of blue, would you
feel in touch with your soul? Most would say, "No!"

Would you even feel that you understood why you experienced the blue?
Again, Chalmers says, "We need a new physics to understand the
experiencing". Again, McGinn replies, "Saved your breath".

You, a soul, experience a world. You know not why.

Let us explain intelligence as a circuitry of neurons. Let us put
qualia one side as a matter of religion.

ray